Toxic Shock Syndrome Treatment

People with toxic shock syndrome are admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit for treatment.

The doctor tries to eliminate the source of infection with the following steps:

Remove the tampon, nasal packing or other potential source of infection.

Search for any other possible source of infection.

Start IV antibiotics after blood cultures are quickly drawn; many clinicians choose to treat with more than one antibiotic as some organisms that cause TSS are occasionally resistant to several antibiotics.

The doctor helps support the functions of the body until the organs recover with the following steps:

Provide IV fluids and medications to raise the blood pressure.

Correct electrolytes.

Monitor kidney and liver functions.

Provide oxygen if needed for breathing difficulty. (Some people with severe lung failure need to have a tube inserted into their windpipe and be placed on a ventilator.)